Earlier this summer, Michigan Tech picked up a commitment from forward Michael Neville. Neville spent the last three season in the OJHL with St. Michael’s Buzzers and was the team’s captain in 2011–12. The 6′-0″ forward attained 19 goals and 47 assists in 108 games with the Buzzers before spending his summer showing off his skills at the Lincoln Stars (USHL) tryout camp where he was free agent to earn a roster spot. However, before this article was published Neville was traded from Lincoln to the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders for future considerations which will likely include futures or entry draft picks.
Based on comments from the Stars tryout camp, Neville should be an impact player for the RoughRiders and fight for playing time with the Huskies when he joins the team for the 2013–14 season. The addition of Neville should also mark the end of the 2013 class of forwards. Neville will join Reid Sturos, Tyler Heinonen and Joel L’Esperance as freshmen forwards, replacing seniors Mikael Lickteig, Aaron Pietila and Chad Pietila.
Neville was selected in the 3rd round of the 2009 OHL draft by the Erie Otters and participated in the 2011 World Junior A Challenge for Canada East. He scored 1 goal in 4 games, helping Canada East win Silver. Not much else is known about Neville, but it should be fun to watch him and another future Husky, Dylan Steman, play together for RoughRiders.
EDIT: Since this article was written, Michael Neville has tweeted that he is returning home to Ontario and will play for the St. Michael’s Buzzers again. Tech Hockey Guide has not been able to confirm why this has happened. Check back later and we should have more information.
UPDATE: It appears there were issues with non-American roster limits for Neville in Cedar Rapids and despite the fact that other USHL teams showed interest, Neville chose to head back home to Ontario and St. Mike’s instead of moving to another USHL team.
Tim is a 2004 graduate of Michigan Tech. He is a co-founder of both Mitch’s Misfits and Tech Hockey Guide. With recent additions to the staff, Tim is again able to focus on his passion, recruiting. He currently works as an environmental engineer and resides in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Area.
